Field Test · Studio Gear Review
Sennheiser HD-490 PRO Plus
In-depth technical and user insights on Sennheiser’s HD-490 PRO Plus headphones
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Spec Sheet
- Wired headphones
- Circumaural
- Open
- Dynamic
- Frequency range: 5 Hz to 36.1 kHz
- Impedance: 130 Ohm
- Sound pressure level: 105 dB (@ 1 Vrms @ 1 kHz)
- Maximum sound pressure level: 128 dB
- Driver size: 38 mm
- Max input level: 300 mW
- Total harmonic distortion: <0.2 %
- Velour ear pads (washable at 30°)
- Detachable, smooth and single-sided 1.8 m cable
- 3.5 mm Mini jack stereo input
- Weight (without cable): 260 g
- Colour: Black
- Includes 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm stereo adapter jack, additional 3 m cable, 1 pair producing ear cushions, 1 pair mixing ear cushions, 1 additional headband, and a premium transport case
Studio Log
| Available since | January 2024 |
|---|---|
| Item number | 579086 |
| Sales Unit | 1 piece(s) |
| Design | Over-Ear |
| System | Open |
| Impedance | 130 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 5 Hz – 36100 Hz |
| Adaptor | Yes |
| Replaceable Cable | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| Max. SPL | 128 dB |
| Sensitivity | 128 dB |
| Type Of Connector | Jack, mini-jack |
| Adapter | Yes |
| Weight | 260 g |
| Replacable Cable | Yes |
| Marrone/Argento | Black |
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QC Pass — Field Test
Customer Review Summary
Introduction to the Sennheiser HD-490 PRO Plus
Released in January 2024, the Sennheiser HD-490 PRO Plus is positioned as a versatile, open-back, circumaural headphone targeting professionals and serious listeners. Its design emphasises comfort and detailed sound reproduction, packaged with useful extras that appeal to audio engineers and music producers alike. Priced at £359, it sits within the mid-high segment, offering features tailored to long hours of use and critical listening.
Design and Build Quality
The HD-490 PRO Plus features an open-back, over-ear design with 38 mm dynamic drivers, weighing in at a mere 260 grams (excluding cables). This lightweight construction contributes significantly to its reputation for comfort, a point frequently highlighted in user feedback. The material choices lean towards a mostly plastic chassis but maintain robustness without unnecessary bulk. The headband adjustment uses clear, tactile clicks that aid fitting precision across a wide head size range.
Included in the package are two sets of ear cushions, velour and mixing pads, that allow users to tune the sonic character and comfort according to their preferences. The velour pads are soft and washable at 30°, while the mixing pads offer a slightly more analytical sound at the expense of some comfort. The open-back nature greatly reduces ear heat buildup compared to closed models, although some users noted minor warmth with certain pads during extended sessions.
The detachable, smooth, and single-sided 1.8 m cable connects via a 3.5 mm mini-jack, with an additional 3 metre cable and a 6.3 mm stereo adapter included in the Plus version. The cable management incorporates a spiral section near the headset to minimise rubbing noises, although its positioning can cause minor shoulder contact. Overall, the build is practical, straightforward, and durable enough for professional environments.
Sound Quality and Performance
The HD-490 PRO Plus delivers a broad frequency response from 5 Hz to 36.1 kHz and presents an impedance of 130 Ohms, rendering it suitable for use with a wide range of amplifiers and digital audio players. Sensitivity stands at 128 dB with a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 128 dB, ensuring impactful and clear audio at safe volume levels.
- Bass: Several reviewers noted the HD-490 PRO Plus excels in bass precision. Unlike some Sennheiser models with a roll-off around 70, 80 Hz, this headphone reveals tight, articulate sub-bass and mid-bass detail without distortion or muddiness. Listeners report hearing subtle overtones such as the fading resonance of drum skins, contributing to a three-dimensional soundstage.
- Midrange and Treble: Vocals and mid frequencies remain clear and natural, preserving the integrity of complex mixes. High frequencies are detailed but controlled, avoiding the harshness or excessive brightness found in some competing models. The headphones succeed in portraying an airy, open soundstage with excellent instrument separation.
- Soundstage: Users consistently praise the impressively wide and immersive spatial presentation. This characteristic situates the HD-490 PRO Plus closer to loudspeaker listening than typical headphone experiences, enhancing mixing precision and music enjoyment.
- Distortion and Noise: Total harmonic distortion remains below 0.2%, delivering a clean output suitable for critical listening and professional applications.
Comfort and Usability
The lightweight frame coupled with the velour and fabric pads makes the HD-490 PRO Plus remarkably comfortable for extended use, even surpassing some higher-end Sennheiser models renowned for comfort. Its snug fit provides stability during movement, although it has a tendency to slip when leaning back without firm adjustment.
The possibility to attach the detachable cable to either ear cup adds practical convenience. While the cable itself may present some tangling challenges due to its flexibility, its lightweight nature minimises fatigue. The provided carrying case is large and sturdy, storing the headphones with cables and accessories safely, ideal for transport between studios or on-location work.
Accessories and Extras
The “Plus” package enriches the user experience by including an extra 3-metre cable and an additional pair of cushions with an alternative tonal balance. The robust carry case adds significant value, sufficiently spacious to hold other gear such as a digital audio player or USB interfaces. A stereo adapter jack allows compatibility with professional amplifiers.
Software shipped with the headphones offers virtual studio effects but has been largely dismissed as unnecessary or detrimental by users, who generally prefer the raw headphone output unaffected by additional processing.
Comparisons and Use Cases
Compared to the Sennheiser HD 650, the HD-490 PRO Plus presents a less warm and more bass-forward sound signature initially, though with wearing-in, midrange and treble qualities align more closely. It requires less amplifier power thanks to its 130 Ohm impedance over the HD 650’s 300 Ohms. When driven by balanced cables and high-quality headphone amplifiers, it scales noticeably in clarity, stage width, and volume headroom.
Professionals have found it particularly suitable for mixing and mastering, thanks to its neutral yet lively reproduction. While some advanced audiophiles and studio engineers consider its soundstage and top-end less expansive than ultra-high-end alternatives, its price-performance ratio is robust. The HD-490 PRO Plus also fares well against offerings from Beyerdynamic and Neumann in comfort and detail delivery.
Limitations
The open-back construction inherently leaks sound and offers no isolation from ambient noise, limiting use to quiet environments. The headband requires a break-in period to achieve optimal comfort. Some users noted that the raised “L” and “R” markings on the ear cups caused minor ear irritation initially. The supplied cable can be challenging to straighten and detach at the connector.
While bass is articulate, it may not satisfy “basshead” preferences for exaggerated low end. Also, certain users found the HD-490 PRO Plus less neutral and slightly coloured in mids for precision mastering compared to more expensive references.
Conclusion
The Sennheiser HD-490 PRO Plus is a compelling option for professionals and enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, comfortable, and detailed over-ear open-back headphone. Its strengths lie in bass precision, spacious soundstage, and long-wear comfort. The extensive accessory kit further reinforces its value. It performs well with both standard and balanced connections, scaling effectively with superior amplification.
Though not without some minor ergonomic and sonic caveats, the HD-490 PRO Plus delivers a balanced and engaging listening experience, placing it as a sensible investment in the £350 price bracket for studio use and critical listening.
